Narcis Chiciu: Suspect Identified in Organized Criminal Activity of Diversionary Theft at Buddhist Temples

Accident – Death – Obituary News : Narcis Chiciu, a 36-year-old man, has been identified as one of the suspects involved in a series of organized criminal activities targeting Buddhist temples. The Theravada Buddhist Temple in White Settlement, Texas, known as Wat Busayadhammvanaram, became a victim of this criminal activity almost a year ago. The police have now issued a second-degree felony warrant for engaging in organized criminal activity against Chiciu, and they are seeking information about his whereabouts. This felony charge carries a potential prison sentence of up to 20 years.

The incident at the temple took place on November 20, 2022, when a large group of individuals arrived in a stolen minivan and entered the premises. While some of the suspects distracted the monk and volunteers, others broke into the living quarters. They managed to steal a staggering $38,000 in cash from locked cabinets. Although the monk sensed that something was amiss, he was frightened and unsure of how to handle the situation.

White Settlement Police Chief Christopher Cook expressed his dismay at the criminals’ actions, stating, “They come, act like they want prayers. And that’s what is so distasteful for us. They’re really preying on the generosity and the faith here at the Buddhist temple.” Unfortunately, this temple was not the only target. Similar incidents occurred at temples in Fort Worth, Irving, and other locations across the country.

However, after nearly a year of investigation, the police have made a significant breakthrough in the case. Chief Cook revealed that they have been collaborating with various law enforcement agencies, including the Federal Bureau of Investigations, the Dallas Police Department, the Arlington Police Department, and the Westworth Village Police Department. The breakthrough came when the Westworth Village Police Department deployed new facial recognition software, which successfully matched the suspect’s face from the surveillance footage.

Chiciu, the lead suspect, has been involved in several civil cases and has also faced legal issues in Florida. Law enforcement agencies in Florida have been assisting in the investigation as well. Chief Cook believes that Chiciu is one of the ringleaders of this local North Texas crime ring, which is involved in diversionary thefts across multiple states. He also suspects that several other groups across the country are part of the same criminal organization.

The stolen amount from the White Settlement temple, $38,000, is just a fraction of what other temples have lost. Some temples have reported losses ranging from $75,000 to $100,000 in a single incident. In response to these crimes, the White Settlement Police Department has increased patrols around the temple and worked closely with the temple administration to enhance safety measures.

Chief Cook emphasized that the police will not stop until the entire criminal organization is brought to justice. He believes that by arresting Chiciu, they will be able to uncover the identities of the other individuals involved. The police are relying on the public’s help to locate Chiciu, urging anyone with information to contact Tarrant County Crime Stoppers or email investigator@wspd.us.

In conclusion, the identification of Narcis Chiciu as a suspect in the organized criminal activity targeting Buddhist temples brings hope for the resolution of these heinous crimes. The collaboration between law enforcement agencies, the deployment of facial recognition software, and increased security measures at the temples demonstrate the commitment to bringing the criminals to justice. The public’s assistance in providing information is crucial in ensuring the arrest of Chiciu and the dismantling of this criminal organization..